<p>I love UCSB's campus, atmosphere and cheaper tuition, and I would probably have no problem attending, but after talking to people and researching, it doesn't seem that UCSB's academic reputation is up to par with USC's. I've always been aiming to attend an university with strong academics and I'm worried that UCSB's party school/less prestigious rep will hurt my chances of attaining a successful job in the future..</p>
<p>As for a future career, I have no clue what major I want to go into, but I'm leaning toward something in the liberal arts or film. I also know USC has a great film school, so I was wondering, even though it's only a possibility of my future major, if I should take that into account..</p>
<p>I really don't want to regret the choice of UCSB when I leave college, even though I'm sure I'd be happy there throughout my college career, so do I go with my gut feeling or logic? I would appreciate it if I could get some opinions on this, for I'm pretty confused...</p>
<p>Not at all, cost is a major issue for many people which is why they tend to choose UCs over many private colleges. Besides, USC is kinda overrated IMO...</p>
<p>I've never known USC to have an 'academic reputation' in all honesty, whereas the UC system is relatively known for it. USC, on the other hand, does have an alumni and school spirit reputation. </p>
<p>And in order to go to USC film school I thought you had to apply directly to it, not just choose film as your major, but dont quote me on that.</p>
<p>I have a friend who is a freshman at usc.
He told me he wishes he had gone to UCSB and is thinking about trying to transfer to UCSB eventually. He doesn't like the city of LA, and most of the people that he met there. Also he's very concerned about how much he and his parents are having to pay. Just one example though, i guess it could go the other way.</p>
<p>Here's the thing. Pick the school that fits you best. UCSB's academics are no slouch and if after visiting both schools you like UCSB better then by all means go. Trust your gut.</p>
<p>UCSB's arts and sciences are actually better (higher ranked) than USC, if I am not mistaken. USC's film is #1 but it's not gonna be easy to transfer.</p>
<p>I didn't get into the honors program but I plan to try to get into it during my subsequent years there.. And I have visited both campuses and they both are beautiful but I liked UCSB's campus/location more.</p>
<p>Thank you everybody, though, for your responses! I am really leaning toward attending UCSB now :)</p>
<p>I hope you chose UCSB. Having been in the same exact position as you, I decided to be a Gaucho instead of a Trojan. You can get a good education at either school, but the atmosphere and quality of life favors UCSB in my mind.</p>
<p>UCSB's campus is lovely (hopefully researching there this summer), I would go with whatever feels right, and after you make the decision, not look back.</p>